Layover #1

Saint Louis Travel Blog

March 26, 2009 4:40 CSTSt. Louis AirportWell Here I am sitting
in the St. Louis airport. I have about a 3 hour layover here in St.
Louis. I toyed with the idea of jumping on the subway (which connects
directly the airport) and going to see the Millenium Arch. It’s one of
those iconic American symbols so I thought maybe I could go see it
while I am here. I did however decide against that idea. It’s not that
far, only about a 20 minute subway ride each way. So say 50-60 minutes
total for travel, get to the gate 30 minutes before time, that there is
about 1 hour 30 minutes. With a 3 hour layover that should give me
plenty of time to walk around the park at the arch, take a few pictures
and get back. I however, have horrendous luck, so knowing me, the train
would break down or there would be some ridiculously long line getting
back through security. Also I don’t think there is a luggage check here
(which is weird, I mean, there were luggage checks at the airports and
train stations in Ukraine!) so I would have to lug my carry-on rolly
bag as well as my laptop with me and I really didn’t want to do that.
So alas, the arch I will have to save for another trip. On a related
note, do you think I can claim having been to the state of Missouri if
all I have seen is the inside of the St. Louis airport? I want to make
it to all 50 states in my life and Missouri is not one I have been to
yet, nor really have all that much desire to get to, sorry Missourians.

I
really can’t believe my journey has begun. I have to say, I am really
freaking proud of myself. Most people state their dreams and desires
but never do a damn thing about them, then feel regret later in life. I
said I wanted to live overseas and now here I am taking a huge risk by
quitting my job in a crappy economy, flying to a foreign country with
no distinct plans, but to live life as it comes and make the most of
this opportunity. I know this may sound bad to admit, but I really like
being the person other people admire and are jealous of. It’s a good
feeling. We spend so much of our lives being jealous of other people,
it feels good to be the one people look at and go, wow, I wish I had or
could do that. Whatever happens at least I won’t feel regret for what
could have been. Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will
be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones
you did do..” So true Mr. Twain, so true.

Well, I am now going to pass the time by taking advantage of having my laptop and watching “Twilight.” Don’t judge.